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Juvenile Investigations

Juvenile officers are responsible for addressing the complex issues of juvenile crime and victimization. Highly-trained investigators are assigned to work with families, schools, social service agencies, and courts to protect and assist our youth.

According to Michigan law, a juvenile is any individual who has not reached the age of 17.

Juvenile matters are handled in the Probate Court of the County in which the juvenile resides. In Wayne County, juvenile matters are heard by the Wayne County Probate Court/Wayne County Circuit Court - Family Division. The Family Division structure allows one Family Division Judge to hear all matters related to a family.

A status offense is any violation of a law passed by the State or local legislative body which would not be a crime if committed by an adult and which is specifically applicable to youth because of their age status. Status offenses include curfew violations, runaways, home incorrigibility, school truancy, minors in possession of alcohol, minors operating a motor vehicle under the influence of alcohol, and the use or possession of tobacco products.

Your Child and the Law

It's important that both parents and youth be aware of the consequences connected with violations of the law. This information outlines law violations that often bring young people into contact with the police and the court system.

Although involvement with the criminal justice system may be stressful and difficult, early intervention is in everyone's best interest. Therefore, we ask that you report all violations of the law. Please take a few moments and review this information. We encourage you to discuss these matters with your family.

The Taylor Police Department strives to create a safe, substance abuse free environment within which our youth may achieve their potential.

Children Under 17 Years

Considered a minor

Under the jurisdiction of the Juvenile Court; the court's purpose is to help young people through applied guidance and control

Depending on the offense and past delinquency record, police and prosecutors make a determination whether to petition the court or apply the Diversion Act, allowing the juvenile to be placed in counseling and community service programs

Taylor Police Department will notify parents if their child is arrested

Juveniles may be treated as adults

Juveniles as young as 14 years of age may be tried as an adult and given an adult sentence for serious crimes like:

Murder

Attempted murder

Crimes that inflict serious injury

Arson

Possession of 650 grams of narcotics

Other major crimes

17 Years or Older

Considered an adult

Juvenile procedures do not apply

Taylor Police may notify parents when a 17 year old child is arrested

Alcohol

It is unlawful for anyone under 21 years of age to purchase, possess, or consume alcohol

It is unlawful to provide alcohol to a minor, and a person may be sued for the resulting actions of the minor

It is unlawful to possess, in any shape or form, marijuana, cocaine, LSD, heroin, etc., or any drug not prescribed by a licensed physician

Added penalties apply if the offense occurs within 500 feet of a school or park

Vehicles and property may be forfeited

Minors may face driver license suspension even if a vehicle was not involved

Curfew

Under 12 years of age: 10 p.m.-6 a.m.

Under 16 years of age: 12 a.m.-6 a.m.

Minors are not allowed on public streets or in public places such as parks during curfew hours

Exceptions include: 1) when the minor is accompanied by a parent or other family member who is at least 18 years of age; 2) when coming from a school, church, or civic function attended with parental permission (must be prepared to prove); or, 3) in the course of employment

The minor can be petitioned to juvenile court for violating curfew

Explosives and Firearms

A firearm includes any weapon from which a dangerous projectile may be propelled by using explosives, gas, or air as a means of propulsion

It is unlawful to manufacture, possess, provide, or detonate any type of homemade or acquired explosive device, or make a threat to do so

It is unlawful to discharge any firearm, air rifle, air pistol, or bow and arrow in the city except when lawfully acting in defense of persons or property

False Identification

A person under 21 years of age using, altering, or providing false identification for use in purchasing alcoholic beverages is guilty of a misdemeanor

Driver license will be suspended

Fighting/Assault

An assault is a verbal or physical threat or attempt to inflict offensive physical contact or bodily harm

A battery is a forceful or violent contact with another, without that person's consent

It is unlawful to engage in any disturbance, fight, or quarrel in a public place

Use of a weapon and/or the infliction of serious injury can result in the minor being tried as an adult

Graduated Driver Licensing

Level 1 License - must be at least age 14 years, 9 month

Allowed to operate a motor vehicle only when accompanied by a licensed parent/legal guardian or a licensed driver over age 21 designated by the parent or legal guardian

Level 2 License - must be at least age 16

Allowed to drive without supervision except from midnight to 5 a.m.

Driving is only permitted from midnight to 5 a.m. to and from employment or with a parent, legal guardian or designated licensed driver over 21

Level 3 License - must be at least age 17

Full driving privileges with no restrictions

Hotel/Motel Room Renting

Michigan law prohibits renting rooms for the purpose of allowing minors to drink alcohol or use illegal drugs

Minors must obey parents/guardians and follow house rules. (Parental curfew can be more restrictive than city ordinance.)

Minors must attend school

Loitering

Remaining in an area with no obvious reason so as to obstruct free and uninterrupted flow of public

Malicious Destruction of Property

Intentionally damaging public or private property belonging to another person

Mopeds

The driver must be 15 years of age and possess a valid moped or automobile driver license

The driver must have a valid registration sticker and possess the registration form

No passengers are allowed, even if there is a passenger seat

Moped riders under 18 years of age must wear a Department of Transportation (DOT) approved helmet

The driver may only operate the moped in the street and must obey all traffic laws

Playing in the Street

It is unlawful to play any ball game or otherwise obstruct traffic on any public street or sidewalk

Retail Fraud/Shoplifting

The value of the property does not matter

For a repeated offense or for property valued over $1000, the offense becomes a felony

A person may be charged if assisting

Trespassing

Entering private property without authority or having been forbidden; or past closure times

Entering any school property without legitimate school business. This includes suspended students

Tobacco

It is unlawful for any person under 18 years of age to purchase, possess, or use tobacco

It is unlawful for any person to supply, sell, or otherwise make tobacco available to a minor under 18 years of age

ResourcesRaising a child in today's world is difficult. Children may experience various emotional and behavioral problems as they grow.

It is important to intervene early when problems are more easily resolved. Resources available to both parent and child include school counselors and social workers, clergy, community counseling services, the school Student Assistance program, and self-help groups such as AA, Alanon, or Families Anonymous.